Ship Registry

How ship registries and others are coping during the pandemic

By Maria Dixon, CEO, ISM Shipping Solutions Ltd

There is no need to introduce to the reader Covid-19, nor to mention the long days and nights you and your family may have been in confinement at home. Some say to protect ourselves, and to avoid the escalation of numbers of mortalities that could multiply while, others say that this confinement is illegal.

However, one of the industries that have not stopped is the shipping industry, the strong link in the chain together with the trucks helping the food industry to feed many millions of people.

One of the main players within the shipping industry are the Flag States also known as Ship Registries & Maritime Authorities, which are usually assisted by previously duly accredited Recognised Organizations (ROs) and Security Recognised Organizations (SROs) that on behalf of the Flag State take up the inspections, survey and issuance of many Statutory’ Certificates of vessels.

Covid-19 took us by surprise. IMO Secretary-General Kitack Lim issued a statement addressing the effect of the coronavirus pandemic on the shipping industry and the global supply chain on which he said: “… Again, I urge a practical and pragmatic approach, in these unusual times, to issues like crew changeovers, resupply, repairs, survey and certification and licensing of seafarers.” .

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